Arjit Kumar - Thursday, Dec 25, 2025Image Source: Getty
AUS vs ENG Boxing Day Test 2025: Players playing football while wearing Christmas hats and a festive atmosphere surrounding the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)—at first glance, it might seem that the England team is quite relaxed. During the net session in Melbourne, when vice-captain Harry Brook faced throwdowns wearing a Christmas cap, cameras scrambled to capture the moment. But behind this cheerful atmosphere lies a bitter truth—England has already lost the Ashes series 3-0 and will now take the field only to salvage some pride.
Four years ago, Scott Boland decimated England's batting lineup on this very ground. This time too, the situation seems similar. According to Australian captain Steve Smith, 10mm of grass has been left on the pitch, which will provide ample assistance to the fast bowlers. The weather in Melbourne is expected to remain cool for the next three days, meaning the sun's effect on the pitch will be minimal and the ball will move throughout the day.
Australia has made significant changes to its playing eleven. Steve Smith has confirmed that they will go without a specialist spinner, meaning Todd Murphy will be on the bench.
England's biggest concern is their bowling attack. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, on whom England had pinned their hopes for victory, are now ruled out of the entire series due to injury.
Australia: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser/Brendan Doggett, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland.
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.
